नमस्ते (namaste) is a secular greeting but it can also be seen by some as a Hindu greeting. Sikh speakers in formal situations may prefer to use सत श्री अकाल (sat śrī akāl) when greeting other Sikhs, and Muslim speakers utilize सलाम अलैकुम (salām alaikum) when greeting other Muslims. It is often considered gracious to greet someone in their religion’s greeting.

In modern Hindi urban usage, the English hi and hello are also common.